Learning to Play, Playing to Learn: Encouraging Play within Early Childhood Classrooms

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May 12, 2020

Learning to Play, Playing to Learn: Encouraging Play within Early Childhood Classrooms

“Play acts as a mechanism into courageous, creative, and rigorous thinking in adulthood.” (T. Bruce,., 2013)

The benefits of children’s play can be life-lasting, as long as the experiences are developmentally appropriate, positive, and engaging. This free online course focuses on children’s play and the role of play in early education settings. Participants will take part in varied individual and group activities that pertain to the definitions, developmental mechanics, and functions of play as well as new strategies for encouraging play within children’s earliest classrooms.

Limited spaces are available. All registrations must be submitted by May 27 at 5 p.m.

Course Information

    • Timeline: May 29 – June 19, 2020
    • Trainers: Chasta Shaw and Alicia Sebastian
    • CKC: K2.14.C1
    • Keystone STARS Alignment: SQ.3.4.10
    • CDA Subject Area: Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development.
    • Three PQAS and Act 48 hours available.

Registration

To register, please visit the event registration page.

More Information

For more information, contact Jasmine Davis at 412.567.3933 or jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

Learning to Play, Playing to Learn: Encouraging Play Within Early Childhood Classrooms

News

April 27, 2020

Learning to Play, Playing to Learn: Encouraging Play Within Early Childhood Classrooms

“Play acts as a mechanism into courageous, creative, and rigorous thinking in adulthood.” (T. Bruce,., 2013)

The benefits of children’s play can be life-lasting, as long as the experiences are developmentally appropriate, positive, and engaging. This free online course focuses on children’s play and the role of play in early education settings. Participants will take part in varied individual and group activities that pertain to the definitions, developmental mechanics, and functions of play as well as new strategies for encouraging play within children’s earliest classrooms.

Course Information

    • Timeline: May 1 – 22, 2020
    • Trainers: Rachelle Duffy and Jasmine Davis
    • CKC: K2.14.C1
    • Keystone STARS Alignment: EC.3.4.1
    • CDA Subject Area: Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development.
    • Three PQAS and Act 48 hours available.

Registration

To register for this course, please visit the event registration page. All registrations must be submitted by April 29 at 5 p.m. Limited spaces are available.

More Information

For more information, contact Jasmine Davis at 412.567.3933 or jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

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Exploring the Outdoor World Through Our Senses

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Exploring the Outdoor World Through Our Senses

The outside world shapes children’s development through everyday, hands-on experiences. In this free online session, participants will explore ways to facilitate sensory experiences in outdoor play including natural materials in the outdoor environment, reusable loose parts, and classroom materials. Participants will discover the benefits of learning through the five senses and explore meaningful ways to encourage sensory learning with young children.

Course Information

    • Timeline: May 4 – 24, 2020
    • Trainer: Katie Gullone
    • CKC: K2.4C2
    • Keystone STARS Alignment: SQ. 3.4.9
    • CDA Subject Area: Planning a safe and healthy learning environment.
    • Three PQAS and Act 48 hours available.

Registration

To register for this course, please visit the event registration page. All registrations must be submitted by May 1, 2020 at 5 p.m. Limited spots are available.

More Information

For more information, contact Jasmine Davis at 412.567.3933 or jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

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STEM Activities for Toddlers | Webinar

News

April 20, 2020

STEM Activities for Toddlers | Webinar

STEM Activities for Toddlers is a live, interactive webinar that explores ways to incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts into the toddler classroom. The course will discuss hands-on activities, including time outside to learn ways to weave in environmental science.

About the STEM Webinar

Two PQAS hours will be offered. Participants are expected to fully participate with their digital device microphones and cameras on. This is not a log-in and leave event. Arriving 15 minutes late may result in no credit for the session. Please note, no refunds will be provided for cancellation or no show.

Learning Objectives of The STEM Webinar

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

    • identify the elements of STEM;
    • explain why STEM is important in the toddler classroom; and
    • implement activities that incorporate multiple elements of STEM.

Available Date

To access this course, use the link below or enter the event ID on the Pennsylvania PD Registry website.

More Information

For questions, please contact Karen Rucker at 717.314.8368 or krucker@respectingchildren.com. For more events like this, click here. 

*Information provided by the Pennsylvania Key

Nurturing Connection to Nature for Health and Wellness

News

February 20, 2020

Nurturing Connection to Nature for Health and Wellness

Join APOST and Pittsburgh Parks Rx at the Frick Environmental Center on February 28 to learn how spending time in nature can support physical and mental wellness.

About

Attend this workshop to explore how to plan engaging experiences that nurture a connection to nature by incorporating active play and mindful reflection. Participants will try out activities, share ideas, and receive tools and resources to help you connect youth with nature in parks or any outdoor space! A light lunch will be provided and free parking will be available on site.

Registration

To register, visit the Eventbrite page.

More Information

For more information, contact APOST at 412.456.6876.

Recess: A Community Conversation

News

January 31, 2020

Recess: A Community Conversation

Physical movement and the freedom to play improves children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. Children, their caregivers, and community members are invited to join the Recess Advocacy Team to discuss their school recess experiences. Families will also have the opportunity to play at the MuseumLab for FREE from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Conversation, activities, and pizza will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Learning Lab 1.

The evening will include:

    • conversation,
    • playful activities,
    • networking,
    • pizza, and
    • more!

Registration

To register, complete the following form:

More Information

For more information, email recess@tryingtogether.org.

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Little Learners

News

January 3, 2020

Little Learners

Children birth to 5 years old and their caregivers are invited to join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – West End for “Little Learners” to laugh, discover, and explore with their child during this special playtime. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers will make friends and use toys to learn about their world. Grown-ups will have a chance to chat with child development specialists and ask questions about caring for their little ones.

View the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh calendar to see alternate locations, dates, and times.

More Information

For questions or more information, email westend@carnegielibrary.org or call 412.921.1717.

Project WET: Getting Little Feet WET

News

December 9, 2019

Project WET: Getting Little Feet WET

This Project WET workshop will provide early childhood educators with developmentally appropriate water-based curriculum and activities for their early childhood classrooms. PQAS hours offered.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

    • properly utilize the Project WET: Getting Little Feet WET educator guide as a curriculum reference;
    • participate in four Project WET activities that can be utilized in an early childhood classroom; and
    • walk away with at least 10 new ways to incorporate water into the early childhood classroom.

Registration

To register and learn more, visit the Pennsylvania PD Registry website.

PD Registry Event ID: 306820

More Information

Please visit the Allegheny Land Trust website to schedule this workshop for your center or location and for pricing. Email Julie Travaglini at 412.741.2750 or jtravaglini@alleghenylandtrust.org for more information.

*Information provided by The Pennsylvania Key

Free Play Day | PTLL 45th Anniversary

News

November 5, 2019

Free Play Day | PTLL 45th Anniversary

Join the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library on November 9 to celebrate their 45th anniversary!

About

For 45 years, the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library (PTLL) has been fostering play and community in Pittsburgh. In celebration of their anniversary, PTLL is hosting a birthday party, featuring cupcakes, singing, and a day of free play for everyone! Everyone is invited, but participants are encouraged to RSVP.

Registration

To RSVP, visit the Facebook event page.

More Information

For questions, contact PTLL at 412.682.4430.

Buzzword Talk & Play Series #6

News

October 16, 2019

Buzzword Talk & Play Series #6

Join Buzzword Pittsburgh on Wednesdays from November 6 to December 11 for Talk & Play Series 6! All events are free for learners ages five and under, with their caregivers, and will include activities that enhance vocabulary and literacy skills.  A light dinner will be provided.

Program Schedule

The schedule of events is as follows:

More Information

For more information, contact Jan Jones at jan@tryingtogether.org.

Click here to view the Facebook event page.

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